U-20 MNT vs. New Zealand
4-0 W

2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (June 2, 2015) – The U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team rolled to a second straight Group A victory at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, shutting out tournament host New Zealand 4-0 at North Harbor Stadium in Auckland.

The USA got on the board early in the first half with a goal from Bradford Jamieson following a set-piece play. U.S. captain Emerson Hyndman followed with his second goal of the tournament in the first half to send the Red, White and Blue into the half with a 2-0 lead. Midfielder Paul Arriola added a third tally for the U.S. in the second half and Rubio Rubin scored a few minutes later, as the U.S. defense held firm to record its first shutout in a U-20 World Cup match since June 18, 2005, when it blanked Egypt, 1-0.

With the second consecutive victory, the USA (2-0-0; 6 points) is in first place in Group A ahead of its final group match with Ukraine on June 5. Ukraine (1-0-1; 4 points) defeated Myanmar earlier in the day 6-0, after tying New Zealand in its opening game on May 30. The U.S. needs a tie or win against the Easter Europeans to finish first in the group. No matter the result however, the USA has secured advancement to the Round of 16 as even with a loss, they would still finish as one of the top two teams in Group A.

With his score, Hyndman tied Maki Tall with three goals for the USA in 2015, a leading mark among players on the U.S. World Cup roster; Rubin and Arriola each have two so far this year. The USA outshot New Zealand 30-11 in tonight’s match.

Next, the U.S. will conclude Group A play against Ukraine on June 5 at QBE Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. Kickoff is set for 3 a.m. ET on FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports Go and NBC Universo. Fans can also follow the action on Twitter @ussoccer_ynt and @ussoccer_esp.

Goal Scoring Rundown:USA – Bradford Jamieson IV, 6th minute: Emerson Hyndman took a corner for the USA and sent a cross to the middle of the box. After the ball was headed down into play, Bradford Jamieson IV got it on the right side of the net and sent quick shot across the goalmouth into the far side netting. Rubio Rubin was in front of the net at that point and made sure Jamieson’s cross went in. USA 1, NZL 0

USA – Emerson Hyndman, 34th minute: After Bradford Jamieson IV brought down a ball sent high past midfield, Rubio Rubin received it and controlled it just outside to box. Rubin tried to maneuver through the box but a New Zealand defender was able to block his shot. Emerson Hyndman was right behind however, and with the ‘keeper already out of position and outside the goal, Hyndman ran forward and sent a first-time shot with his right foot through the ‘keeper’s extended arms and towards the far side netting for the second score of the match. USA 2, NZL 0

USA – Paul Arriola (Gedion Zelalem), 58th minute: Gedion Zelalem played the ball into the attacking zone, moving from left to right outside the 18-yard box while evading several defenders. Zelalem found Paul Arriola on the right side, passing him the ball and allowing Arriola to take it into the box and shoot a right-footed bullet that rebounded off the left post towards the right over the goal line, giving the U.S. its third tally on the game. USA 3, NZL 0

USA – Rubio Rubin (Desevio Payne), 83rd minute: Second-half sub Tommy Thompson played the ball outside the right side of the box and controlled it until Desevio Payne came into the area, passing him the ball. From the right side, Payne found Rubio Rubin entering the box with a strong run and sent him a perfect cross which Rubin received and tapped right into the back of the net for his second tally of the match and fourth of the game. USA 4, NZL 0 (FINAL)

Key Saves and Defensive Stops:USA – Paul Arriola, 41st minute: New Zealand’s best chance to get on the board came late in the first half after a corner. A perfect cross into the box looked to create a chance when U.S. midfielder Paul Arriola jumped above everyone and headed it out of bounds for another New Zealand corner, preserving the U.S. first half shutout.

USA – Zack Steffen, 81st minute: Noah Billingsley sent a long-range shot from outside the box towards the USA goal. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen did not panic however, and threw himself to the left side, batting out the ball with his outstretched left arm to give New Zealand a corner kick.

NZL – Oliver Sail, 86th minute: Minutes after coming into the game, U.S. sub John Requejo ran past two defenders on the left side of the box towards the goal. New Zealand’s goalkeeper Oliver Sail however was alert and blocked the shot to avoid any further damage.

Next on the Schedule: The U.S. U-20 MNT will finish up Group A play at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup on Friday, June 5, against Ukraine. Kickoff is set for 3 a.m. ET at North Harbor Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.Broadcast information: FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports Go, NBC UniversoSocial: Twitter @ussoccer_ynt;@ussoccer_esp

Additional Notes:

The game represented the first time in 14 U-20 World Cups/Youth Championships that the USA has won its first two matches of the tournament.

After its first two matches of the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the USA has now scored six goals, the second most goals scored after two games in U.S. U-20 World Cup history (seven in 2007, six in 1993).

Midfielder Emerson Hyndman scored his second goal of the U-20 World Cup. He has scored in consecutive games, also scoring the game-winning goal against Myanmar on May 30. It was his third international goal with the U-20s, all coming in 2015.

Hyndman is the first U.S. player to score in consecutive U-20 World Cup games since Jozy Altidore did it in 2007.

Hyndman wore the captain’s armband for the third-straight time. He made his debut as captain against Australia during a friendly on May 19.

Rubio Rubin and Hydman are the only two players on the roster to have been capped at the senior level under U.S. MNT head coach, Jurgen Klinsmann. Hyndman made his debut during the second half of the U.S. MNT’s 1-0 win against the Czech Republic in September 2014, and Rubin started against then No. 3-ranked Colombia this past November.

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen recorded his seventh career shutout with the U-20’s.

Midfielder Gedion Zelalem made his third appearance for the USA and earned his first start. He provided an assist on Paul Arriola’s goal in the second half for his first point in a U.S. uniform.

Paul Arriola, Desevio Payne, Zelalem and Bradford Jamieson IV were the four changes in Tab Ramos’ starting lineup from the USA-Myanmar matchup.

The USA’s three substitutions of the game were: Tommy Thompson coming in for Jamieson IV, John Requejo for Rubin and Joel Soñora for Marky Delgado, all coming in the second half.

Thompson’s appearance was his 19th for the U-20 MNT, which leads all U.S. players on the roster.

The defense was anchored by Payne, Matt Miazga, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Kellyn Acosta. Miazga, Carter-Vickers and Acosta also started in the backline for the USA against Myanmar.

Upon further review, FIFA retroactively awarded Rubin's first goal to Bradford

On his initial thoughts on the victory:"I’m very happy with the team. I’m happy that we got through that first game where I felt that a lot of players felt a little pressure in being at the World Cup. And now the second game, today, they looked like they played more free and wanted the ball. They did a good job.”

On his thoughts on why the team was so dominant in the match:“Again, I think we played relaxed. Obviously the combination of players was a good one. New Zealand is a team that works very hard; we were able to find spaces in between lines quickly and that opened up the field for us. So when that happens you have an opportunity to attack with a lot of players and you have a lot of options, and I think the game opened up early for us.”

On if utilizing speed in the attack was a tactic he used:“Well, we wanted to open up the field as much as possible. We knew that New Zealand was going to work very hard and try to limit us into corners of the field, and so the faster we could find the other side, the easier it was going to be for us. So we tried to spread the field out and fortunately it worked out for us.”

On winning the first two games of the World Cup and advancing to the next round:“We came here to win games one at a time. I’m happy with the team we have, I’m excited that this team – I believe – has a lot of talent. You have to take it one at a time. We got through our first two – the first one was certainly difficult. And this one was not easy either. But I think everybody was up to the task.

It’s great for us. As a nation we’ve normally not done this, winning a couple games to start a World Cup. So we have to be happy about that. It’s a great accomplishment for our players, but hopefully we can accomplish more still.”

On what he thought of the New Zealand performance and if they have a chance to advance:“I think they played with a lot of heart. I know that’s how coach likes them to play. They did a good job trying to pressure us onto our side of the field. Our boys were up to the task and were able to do a little bit better. But I think coming out of this group – they have one important point against Ukraine, and obviously Myanmar is going to be a fight, because as you saw today against Ukraine for the first 50 minutes – although the last four were not good – the first 50 were very good. And so we’ll see what happens in the last game, but I think they have a good opportunity with four points to get to the next round.”

On his thoughts on the performance of Gedion Zelalem:“I think Gedion did a great job. He’s born in ’97, he’s a younger player and we’re not afraid to put him in because he wants the ball. I tell the players on the team that I always want to have guys on the field who want the ball. And I think he showed himself well. As you can see he plays very comfortably in that position. He was not afraid and I think at times he put the team on his shoulders and he played like an older player. So I’m excited about his future with us, but it’s one game. We’ll take it one game at a time with him.”

(TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH) On the improvement of the team, if he’s happy with the performance:“Yes, because I think we played joyful soccer. This is how I always want to see the team. We gave them all the confidence possible between the first game and the second, and I think today they stepped on the field with a desire to show themselves. And like I say, to play attacking soccer and without fear.”

(TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH) On if qualifying for the next round has removed any pressure:“We have to keep moving forward. I don’t think there is pressure, or pressure that has ended with this particular game. We have to remember that this is a tournament with young players and we have to keep progressing. The progression is part of the learning process for these players. So to have the opportunity to play additional games in a second round is an even better experience.”

On how tonight’s win helps prepare to face Ukraine in the third group match:
“It gives us obviously a lot of confidence because we needed a game like this and we played, as I said before in Spanish – happy football. So at this point the goal difference doesn’t matter going into the last game, but certainly that’s the way we play. We’re going to try to go forward and try to win our third game as well.”

U.S. U-20 MNT goalkeeper ZACK STEFFEN

On what a game like tonight does for the team:"I think it raises our confidence, attacking and defensive-wise. I thought we moved the ball well; every player on the field did their job and did it very well. We played how we wanted to play against them. We scouted them and our coaches did a good job of giving us a good picture of how they were going to come out, and I think we took that to mind and we used their weaknesses against them. I think it was a very good game for us confidence-wise.”

On posting the USA’s first shutout in a U-20 World Cup in 14 games:“That’s our goal every time, but at the World Cup you’re always facing the top teams in the world so it’s not easy. Tonight I think the offense obviously helped a lot. We kept the ball a lot more and didn’t have a lot of silly giveaways. And I think we had a lot better communication and we were more connected in this game. I don’t think we were as nervous as were against Myanmar.”

On his thoughts on the defender contributing offensively:

“I like it. It’s fun for them and it’s fun for me to watch, too. And it’s good that they are getting forward – that’s what we’ve been trying to work on, pushing them up higher so they’re closer to our attacking line.”

U.S. U-20 MNT defender CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS

On the win and advancing to the Round of 16:"I think the game went really well. Apart from their early chance, I think we dominated from the beginning. Obviously we got an early goal, which was good. I think we played a lot better than the Myanmar match, and I think we deserved to win.”

On getting three good looks at goal:“Well, the first one was from a corner. Every time we get a corner, I feel it’s a good chance for me to score or create a chance. I just tried to attack the ball as hard as I could. The second one just kind of fell to me, so I tried to hit it. The goalkeeper made a really good save. (Laughing) I think it was going top corner for him to get there was very good. And the third one wasn’t very good, but I tried to get something out of it. Obviously I wanted to score, so I was disappointed. But I think it was a good effort.”

On posting the shutout:“It’s important for us. The more we play together the better we become, communication improves and we learn how with play each other. And Zack made a big save towards the end to keep the clean sheet.

U.S. U-20 MNT forward BRADFORD JAMIESON IV

On the win and securing a place in the Round of 16:"We knew there was a lot on the line, and obviously a good and solid performance was going to get us to the next round. We all knew what the goal was, and I think we executed it very well.”

On how everyone looked hungry to score:
“That’s good and that just shows that every player on the team can be counted on and every player is ready for the challenges that this tournament is going to hold for us.”

On being one of four new starters from the first match:“Our depth is very important. Tab talked about it every time he was being interviewed, that a big thing about our team is our depth. That’s important because as the tournament goes on you have things like injuries or complications and you need guys to be able to step up at any time.”

On the first goal:
“That’s my goal, man (laughing). But all that really matters is that we got the goal and we got the three points, so we’re happy.”

U.S. U-20 MNT midfielder GEDION ZELALEM

On securing a place in the Round of 16:"We’re very happy to qualify for the second round. We played fantastic today – all credit to the boys, to the coaching staff. I think we did very well tonight.”

On his comfort on the field:“I think me and Emerson combined very well. He’s a pleasure to play with. We’ve played two games but I feel like we’ve play together a year or two. And all the other guys, Marky in the midfield – the defensive threat he gives us, and he gives us the ball early and so we try to do our best on the offensive end.”

On the team clicking for 90 minutes:“When everyone is feeling it, it’s great. Everyone’s excited; everyone’s enjoying soccer – that’s the best way to play.”

U.S. U-20 MNT forward PAUL ARRIOLA

On the convincing result:"It was important for us to get a win today. Obviously we knew what we needed to do going into the game. We knew New Zealand was going to be a great team and it wasn’t going to be easy for us to win. But the depth that we have in every position paid off today and everyone contributed.”

On team taking 30 shots tonight:"I think we all wanted to score. I think today was one of those games where I took the most shots…everyone was hungry, from the center mids to the forwards to our center backs. Everyone wanted to get up the field and today we all had a great connection.”

On knowing the team has advanced to the knockout round:"It’s really important. Each game we’re taking it like a final. The first one we took care of with a win against Myanmar, and this was the second final that we needed to win. And now all of our attention goes to Ukraine. Even though we’re through, it’s important for us to get another win just to be secure and keep our confidence going.”

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (June 2, 2015) – The U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team rolled to a second straight Group A victory at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, shutting out tournament host New Zealand 4-0 at North Harbor Stadium in Auckland.

The USA got on the board early in the first half with a goal from Bradford Jamieson following a set-piece play. U.S. captain Emerson Hyndman followed with his second goal of the tournament in the first half to send the Red, White and Blue into the half with a 2-0 lead. Midfielder Paul Arriola added a third tally for the U.S. in the second half and Rubio Rubin scored a few minutes later, as the U.S. defense held firm to record its first shutout in a U-20 World Cup match since June 18, 2005, when it blanked Egypt, 1-0.

With the second consecutive victory, the USA (2-0-0; 6 points) is in first place in Group A ahead of its final group match with Ukraine on June 5. Ukraine (1-0-1; 4 points) defeated Myanmar earlier in the day 6-0, after tying New Zealand in its opening game on May 30. The U.S. needs a tie or win against the Easter Europeans to finish first in the group. No matter the result however, the USA has secured advancement to the Round of 16 as even with a loss, they would still finish as one of the top two teams in Group A.

With his score, Hyndman tied Maki Tall with three goals for the USA in 2015, a leading mark among players on the U.S. World Cup roster; Rubin and Arriola each have two so far this year. The USA outshot New Zealand 30-11 in tonight’s match.

Next, the U.S. will conclude Group A play against Ukraine on June 5 at QBE Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. Kickoff is set for 3 a.m. ET on FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports Go and NBC Universo. Fans can also follow the action on Twitter @ussoccer_ynt and @ussoccer_esp.

Goal Scoring Rundown:USA – Bradford Jamieson IV, 6th minute: Emerson Hyndman took a corner for the USA and sent a cross to the middle of the box. After the ball was headed down into play, Bradford Jamieson IV got it on the right side of the net and sent quick shot across the goalmouth into the far side netting. Rubio Rubin was in front of the net at that point and made sure Jamieson’s cross went in. USA 1, NZL 0

USA – Emerson Hyndman, 34th minute: After Bradford Jamieson IV brought down a ball sent high past midfield, Rubio Rubin received it and controlled it just outside to box. Rubin tried to maneuver through the box but a New Zealand defender was able to block his shot. Emerson Hyndman was right behind however, and with the ‘keeper already out of position and outside the goal, Hyndman ran forward and sent a first-time shot with his right foot through the ‘keeper’s extended arms and towards the far side netting for the second score of the match. USA 2, NZL 0

USA – Paul Arriola (Gedion Zelalem), 58th minute: Gedion Zelalem played the ball into the attacking zone, moving from left to right outside the 18-yard box while evading several defenders. Zelalem found Paul Arriola on the right side, passing him the ball and allowing Arriola to take it into the box and shoot a right-footed bullet that rebounded off the left post towards the right over the goal line, giving the U.S. its third tally on the game. USA 3, NZL 0

USA – Rubio Rubin (Desevio Payne), 83rd minute: Second-half sub Tommy Thompson played the ball outside the right side of the box and controlled it until Desevio Payne came into the area, passing him the ball. From the right side, Payne found Rubio Rubin entering the box with a strong run and sent him a perfect cross which Rubin received and tapped right into the back of the net for his second tally of the match and fourth of the game. USA 4, NZL 0 (FINAL)

Key Saves and Defensive Stops:USA – Paul Arriola, 41st minute: New Zealand’s best chance to get on the board came late in the first half after a corner. A perfect cross into the box looked to create a chance when U.S. midfielder Paul Arriola jumped above everyone and headed it out of bounds for another New Zealand corner, preserving the U.S. first half shutout.

USA – Zack Steffen, 81st minute: Noah Billingsley sent a long-range shot from outside the box towards the USA goal. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen did not panic however, and threw himself to the left side, batting out the ball with his outstretched left arm to give New Zealand a corner kick.

NZL – Oliver Sail, 86th minute: Minutes after coming into the game, U.S. sub John Requejo ran past two defenders on the left side of the box towards the goal. New Zealand’s goalkeeper Oliver Sail however was alert and blocked the shot to avoid any further damage.

Next on the Schedule: The U.S. U-20 MNT will finish up Group A play at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup on Friday, June 5, against Ukraine. Kickoff is set for 3 a.m. ET at North Harbor Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.Broadcast information: FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports Go, NBC UniversoSocial: Twitter @ussoccer_ynt;@ussoccer_esp

Additional Notes:

The game represented the first time in 14 U-20 World Cups/Youth Championships that the USA has won its first two matches of the tournament.

After its first two matches of the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the USA has now scored six goals, the second most goals scored after two games in U.S. U-20 World Cup history (seven in 2007, six in 1993).

Midfielder Emerson Hyndman scored his second goal of the U-20 World Cup. He has scored in consecutive games, also scoring the game-winning goal against Myanmar on May 30. It was his third international goal with the U-20s, all coming in 2015.

Hyndman is the first U.S. player to score in consecutive U-20 World Cup games since Jozy Altidore did it in 2007.

Hyndman wore the captain’s armband for the third-straight time. He made his debut as captain against Australia during a friendly on May 19.

Rubio Rubin and Hydman are the only two players on the roster to have been capped at the senior level under U.S. MNT head coach, Jurgen Klinsmann. Hyndman made his debut during the second half of the U.S. MNT’s 1-0 win against the Czech Republic in September 2014, and Rubin started against then No. 3-ranked Colombia this past November.

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen recorded his seventh career shutout with the U-20’s.

Midfielder Gedion Zelalem made his third appearance for the USA and earned his first start. He provided an assist on Paul Arriola’s goal in the second half for his first point in a U.S. uniform.

Paul Arriola, Desevio Payne, Zelalem and Bradford Jamieson IV were the four changes in Tab Ramos’ starting lineup from the USA-Myanmar matchup.

The USA’s three substitutions of the game were: Tommy Thompson coming in for Jamieson IV, John Requejo for Rubin and Joel Soñora for Marky Delgado, all coming in the second half.

Thompson’s appearance was his 19th for the U-20 MNT, which leads all U.S. players on the roster.

The defense was anchored by Payne, Matt Miazga, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Kellyn Acosta. Miazga, Carter-Vickers and Acosta also started in the backline for the USA against Myanmar.

Upon further review, FIFA retroactively awarded Rubin's first goal to Bradford

2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup
U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team vs. New Zealand
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Auckland, New Zealand

U.S. U-20 MNT vs. NEW ZEALAND: The U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team continues Group A play at the 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup on Tuesday, June 2 against tournament-host New Zealand at the QBE Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. The match will be broadcast live in the U.S. on FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports Go and NBC Universo, with kickoff set for 3 a.m. ET. Fans can also follow the match live on twitter at @usscocer_ynt and @ussoccer_esp.

USA ROSTER NOTES:

The USA began group play on May 30, defeating Myanmar 2-1, on goals from forward Maki Tall and midfielder Emerson Hyndman.

It was Hyndman’s second international goal with the U-20’s and Tall’s third tally in only his fifth appearance with the USA.

Rubin and Hydman are the only two players on the roster to have been capped at the senior level under U.S. MNT head coach, Jurgen Klinsmann. Hyndman made his debut during the second half of the U.S. MNT’s 1-0 win against the Czech Republic in September 2014, and Rubin started against then No. 3-ranked Colombia this past November.

Hyndman wore the captain’s armband for the second time against Myanmar. He made his debut as captain against Australia during a friendly on May 19.

Nineteen of the 21 players on the USA’s roster are on professional contracts with clubs in nine different countries including: USA, England, Mexico, Netherlands, Argentina, Canada, France, Germany and Spain.

Eight players come from European clubs, eight from MLS, two from Liga MX, one from Argentina and two are playing at the collegiate level in the United States.

Acosta and Arriola are the only two players on the roster with previous youth World Cup matches under their belt. Acosta played in all four matches for the USA, while Arriola appeared in three of the games at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico.

The USA and tournament-host New Zealand were drawn into Group A, along with Myanmar and Ukraine.

The U.S. U-20’s garnered three points with a 2-1 win against Myanmar in their opening match, placing them atop the Group A standings, followed by Ukraine and New Zealand who tied in their first game, and Myanmar.

This is the USA’s 14th appearance in a FIFA U-20 World Cup. The USA’s best World Cup finish was a fourth-place performance at the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship.

The USA qualified for the World Cup by finishing third at the 2015 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in Jamaica in January, earning one of the four berths from the region along with Mexico, Panama, and Honduras.

During the tournament, the USA tied Guatemala (1-1) and lost Panama (1-0) before winning four straight matches: Aruba (8-0), Jamaica (2-0), Trinidad and Tobago (1-0) and El Salvador in a playoff match, 2-0.

Tab Ramos is the third coach to lead a U-20 team in multiple World Cups (2013, 2015), following Sigi Schmid (1999, 2005) and Thomas Rongen (2003, 2007, 2009). As a player, Ramos also represented the USA at the 1983 U-20 World Youth Championship, 1988 Olympics Games, and the 1990, 1994, and 1998 FIFA World Cups.

New Zealand did not participate in the 2014 OFC U-20 Championship, despite being the reigning champion, as they had already qualified for the U-20 World Cup by virtue of being the host nation.

New Zealand’s appearance in the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, is the country’s fourth time participating in a U-20 World Cup (2007, 2011, 2013). It has never advanced past the group stage.